BURNS

BURNS Types of burns

Depths of burns

Extent of burns

General Treatment

OthersAirway burnsElectrical burnsChemical splashes to eyes

TYPES OF BURNS Dry burns

Scalds

Cold injury

Radiation burns

Electrical burns

Chemical burns

DRY BURNS Contact with hot objects

E.g. Iron Flames

Open flameCandle Lighter

FrictionConstant movement of two objects against

each otherCauses heat to build up, burning skin

SCALDS

Hot LiquidsBoiling water Hot drinks

SteamSteamerKettle

COLD INJURY

Contact with metals at low temperatures Frostbite

 medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to freezing. 

RADIATION BURNS Sunburns

Exposure to radioactive source Radiotherapy Nuclear-related accidents

Over-exposure to ultra-violet rays

DEPTH OF BURNS

Epidermis

Dermis(Nerves)

Subcutaneous layer

Muscles

Bone

DEPTH OF BURNS Superficial burns

Partial-Thickness burns

Full Thickness burns

SUPERFICIAL BURNS Epidermis burnt

Skin becomes red, swollen, tender

Generally easy to treat

PARTIAL-THICKNESS BURN

Epidermis and part of Dermis burnt

Large blisters at site of burn

Medical Aid required

Most painful degree Raw nerves cells exposed Pain can still be felt

FULL THICKNESS BURN Entire skin (Epidermis and Dermis burnt)

Urgent hospital treatment required

Underlying structures severely damaged Bones Muscles

Painless Nerves have already been burnt

Usually has charring

EXTENT OF BURNS Rule of Nines

Head & Neck: 9% Chest and Abdomen: 18% Each Upper limb: 9% Each Lower limb: 18% Back and Buttocks: 18% Crotch: 1%

100%

TREATMENT Ensure Airway Breathing Circulation Cool injured area with room temperature water

for at least 10 minutes Gently remove constricting clothing or objects

from injured area if possible Cover injured area with sterile dressing or

clean, non-fluffy material and bandage loosely

Prevent / Treat shock Monitor Level Of Response and vital signs at

least every 5 minutes Seek medical help

TREATMENT

DO NOT: Break the blisters

Force open eyelids if closed

Apply lotions, fats, toothpaste, ointments, creams etc.

Remove clothing that is stuck to burn

AIRWAY BURNS

caused by inhaling smoke, steam, toxic fumes

 rapid swelling of burned tissue in the airway can quickly block the flow of air to the lungs

Singed nose hair (burned nose hair - form of airway burn)

Treatment Call for medical help Reassure casualty Ask casualty to take slow, deep breaths Monitor casualty’s Level Of Response and vital signs

ELECTRICAL BURNS Lightning strikes

Contact with electrical appliances Touch electrical mains with wet hands Electricity pass through conductors e.g. metal rods, wires

Entry and Exit wound Electric current flow through body and out to ground Burn at entry wound (contact place of electric current) Burn at exit wound (usually lower part of body)

Treatment General burns treatment, applied on both entry and exit

wound

CHEMICAL BURNS TO EYES Chemicals get to eyes

Eye turns red/swollen Tearing

Treatment Run eyes under running tap water Uninjured eye above injured eye (to prevent

chemicals from infecting both eyes) Ask casualty to close eyes Bandage both eyes

CHEMICAL BURNS

Acids exposed to a corrosive substance

Alkali lime products, plaster and mortar, oven and

drain cleaners, dishwasher powders, fertilizers, and sparks from “sparklers.”

Chemical Agents

CHEMICAL BURNS

Treatment

Liquid Wash off any chemical before proceeding to general

treatment

Solid/Powder Brush off any chemical substance (not with hands) Proceed to general treatment without running under

water Do not use water as it may dissolve the solid and be

absorbed into skin